Plant and Equipment - Safety First Safety Basics

[0:00]Plant and equipment. Every year, around Australia, people are seriously injured or killed when they work with machinery and equipment, which can be known as plant. Common examples of plant include cranes, hoists, elevated work platforms, powered mobile plant, pressure equipment, tractors, earth moving equipment, quad bikes, forklifts, harvesters, pumps, saws and cutting machines, drill and grinders, power presses and injection molding machines, mixers, packaging equipment. The OHS hierarchy of control plays an important part of all workplace activities, especially when using plant and equipment. So before you use any plant, always check to see if you can eliminate the risk. You must always try to do this first. For example, replace an existing machine with a new one that doesn't have the same risks. Use substitution, isolation or engineering controls to reduce the risk. You may need a combination of these measures. An example of substitution is using a cordless grinder instead of one with a cord. Isolation could be achieved by adding a guard or safety barriers to large plant. Administrative controls include things like lockout, tag out systems, supervision and giving correct information, instructions and training. This may include a training specialist that can also provide a license to use the plant, for example, a forklift or elevated work platform. Personal protective equipment can also reduce the risk of injuries. PPE includes ear muffs, breathing respirators, toe capped footwear, hard hats and high-vis vests. Before using any plant and equipment, you will need specialized training, or you may even need a specific license. Many plant and equipment also have specific codes of practice and operating instructions. Always check with your supervisor or OHS rep before doing any work you are not familiar with. Always remember, safety first. www.safetyfirst.org.au.